
Is TMS Therapy Right for You?
Find out by answering a few questions.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
TMS works on the area of the brain (the frontal cortex) that is underactive in people with depression. Essentially, magnetic pulses stimulate and activate the frontal cortex and help people process and utilize the chemicals in the brain (namely, serotonin and dopamine) that create happiness, motivation, and excitement. During a TMS session, patients wear a helmet-like device that contains magnetic technology. The device is activated for 20 minutes, and patients lie back in a chair and read, listen to music, or take a rest. This process is repeated each time the patient visits over the course of the treatment.
How to Get Started with TMS Therapy
TMS therapy follows a clinical treatment process that involves frequent patient visits (five times/week) that taper down over the course of a few months. While the time commitment can be substantial, the entire appointment takes only 30 minutes and can be done on your lunch break. The first step to undergoing TMS therapy is to talk to your provider and see if you are a good candidate. Currently, the treatment is primarily used for individuals with medication-resistant depression—which means that a patient has tried two or more medications and still suffers from depression symptoms. Bloom can help you determine if you fit the criteria for TMS therapy. A good place to start is with the screener above, requesting an appointment, or giving us a call.
What are Patients Saying
about TMS Therapy?
FAQs
What is TMS therapy?
TMS is a non-invasive FDA-cleared therapy that uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls mood. These pulses can have a lasting effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, helping people suffering from depression achieve long-term remission from depression symptoms. Because TMS is not a drug, it doesn’t cause the side effects that are often associated with antidepressants.
How does TMS therapy work?
Is TMS therapy right for me?
Is TMS like ECT?
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Side effects may include:
- Headache after the treatment (which can be alleviated by taking OTC pain reliever shortly before treatment)
- Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
- Minor spasms or twitching of facial muscles
(this may occur only during treatment and is not painful)